Collaborative diplomacy mechanics

ABSTRACT

A collaborative diplomacy mechanics system for an online game is described. A player selects an ally to be engaged in a combat mode of an online social game against an enemy. The profile of the selected ally is retrieved. An ally power up weapon is generated based on the profile of the selected ally. The ally power up weapon is applied against a combat unit of an enemy of a player in the combat mode. The ally power up weapon can also be applied on a combat unit of the player in the combat mode.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/244,825, filed on Sep. 26, 2011, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,790,182 on Jul. 29, 2014, which claims priority from provisional USPatent Application Ser. No. 61/491,046, filed May 27, 2011, the entirecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to games and applications and,in example embodiments, to computer-implemented, online social games.

BACKGROUND

Online social games are becoming widespread. Social games combineaspects of social networking with gaming. In an online social game,multiple players play against one another and corroborate with oneanother to further their respective online social game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system forimplementing disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example social network;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example data flow in a system;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a collaborativediplomacy mechanics module;

FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating one example embodiment of amethod for operating a combat mode with an ally;

FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating one example embodiment of amethod for operating a combat mode with an online neighbor as an ally;

FIG. 5C is a flow diagram illustrating one example embodiment of amethod for operating a combat mode with a mercenary for hire as an ally;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example network environment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer systemarchitecture;

FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating an example screenshot of aselection of an ally for a combat mode;

FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating an example screenshot of aselection of available combat units for a combat mode;

FIG. 8C is a block diagram illustrating an example screenshot of combatunits in a combat mode; and

FIG. 8D is a block diagram illustrating an example screenshot of theuser of a power up weapon from an ally in a combat mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

A collaborative diplomacy mechanics system for an online game isdescribed. A player selects an ally to be engaged in a combat mode of anonline social game against an enemy. The profile of the selected ally isretrieved. An ally power up weapon is generated based on the profile ofthe selected ally. The ally power up weapon is applied against combatunits of an enemy of a player in the combat mode or on the combat unitsof the player in the combat mode. The enemy may be a computer-controlledplayer in the online social game.

In another embodiment, a request to engage in a combat game mode isreceived from a player of an online social game against acomputer-controlled player of the online social game. A determination ismade as to whether the player is eligible to select an ally to assistthe player in the combat game mode based on a game level of the playerin the online social game. One or more allies are generated from whichthe player can select based on the game level of the player and thenumber of in game neighbors of the player. A super weapon from theselected ally for use in the combat game mode is generated based on aprofile of the selected ally. The super weapon is applied one-timeduring the combat game mode.

In one embodiment, the ally power up weapon may be applied only one timeduring the combat mode between a player and an enemy of the player inthe online social game.

In one embodiment, a reward may be generated for the ally in responsethe selection of the ally by a player of the online social game. Inanother embodiment, the reward may be generated for the ally based on aresult of the combat mode.

In one embodiment, the ally power up weapon may be randomly selectedfrom a plurality of power up weapons from the ally of the online socialgame.

In one embodiment, the ally is an online neighbor of a player of theonline social game or a friend of the player from a social networkingsystem. The ally power up weapon may be based on a game level of theonline neighbor or a specialty skill of the online neighbor.

In another embodiment, the ally may be a computer-generated player forhire for the combat mode for a predetermined amount of points.

Example Online Game Networking System

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for implementing variousdisclosed embodiments. In particular embodiments, system 100 comprisesplayer 101, social networking system 120 a, game networking system 120b, client system 130, and network 160. The components of system 100 canbe connected to each other in any suitable configuration, using anysuitable type of connection. The components may be connected directly orover a network 160, which may be any suitable network. For example, oneor more portions of network 160 may be an ad hoc network, an intranet,an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network(LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN(WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, aportion of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellulartelephone network, another type of network, or a combination of two ormore such networks.

Social networking system 120 a is a network-addressable computing systemthat can host one or more social graphs. Social networking system 120 acan generate, store, receive, and transmit social networking data.Social networking system 120 a can be accessed by the other componentsof system 100 either directly or via network 160. Game networking system120 b is a network-addressable computing system that can host one ormore online games. Game networking system 120 b can generate, store,receive, and transmit game-related data, such as, for example, gameaccount data, game input, game state data, and game displays. Gamenetworking system 120 b can be accessed by the other components ofsystem 100 either directly or via network 160. Player 101 may use clientsystem 130 to access, send data to, and receive data from socialnetworking system 120 a and game networking system 120 b. Client system130 can access social networking system 120 a or game networking system120 b directly, via network 160, or via a third-party system. As anexample and not by way of limitation, client system 130 may access gamenetworking system 120 b via social networking system 120 a. Clientsystem 130 can be any suitable computing device, such as a personalcomputer, laptop, cellular phone, smart phone, computing tablet, and thelike.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates a particular number of players 101, socialnetworking systems 120 a, game networking systems 120 b, client systems130, and networks 160, this disclosure contemplates any suitable numberof players 101, social networking systems 120 a, game networking systems120 b, client systems 130, and networks 160. As an example and not byway of limitation, system 100 may include one or more game networkingsystems 120 b and no social networking systems 120 a. As another exampleand not by way of limitation, system 100 may include a system thatcomprises both social networking system 120 a and game networking system120 b. Moreover, although FIG. 1 illustrates a particular arrangement ofplayer 101, social networking system 120 a, game networking system 120b, client system 130, and network 160, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable arrangement of player 101, social networking system 120 a, gamenetworking system 120 b, client system 130, and network 160.

The components of system 100 may be connected to each other using anysuitable connections 110. For example, suitable connections 110 includewireline (such as, for example, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or DataOver Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)), wireless (such as,for example, Wi-Fi or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX)) or optical (such as, for example, Synchronous Optical Network(SONET) or Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)) connections. Inparticular embodiments, one or more connections 110 each include an adhoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a VPN, a LAN, a WLAN, a WAN, aWWAN, a MAN, a portion of the Internet, a portion of the PSTN, acellular telephone network, or another type of connection, or acombination of two or more such connections. Connections 110 need notnecessarily be the same throughout system 100. One or more firstconnections 110 may differ in one or more respects from one or moresecond connections 110. Although FIG. 1 illustrates particularconnections between player 101, social networking system 120 a, gamenetworking system 120 b, client system 130, and network 160, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable connections between player 101,social networking system 120 a, game networking system 120 b, clientsystem 130, and network 160. As an example and not by way of limitation,in particular embodiments, client system 130 may have a directconnection to social networking system 120 a or game networking system120 b, bypassing network 160.

In an online computer game, a game engine manages the game state of thegame. Game state comprises all game play parameters, including playercharacter state, non-player character (NPC) state, in-game object state,game world state (e.g., internal game clocks, game environment), andother game play parameters. Each player 101 controls one or more playercharacters (PCs). The game engine controls all other aspects of thegame, including non-player characters (NPCs), and in-game objects. Thegame engine also manages game state, including player character statefor currently active (online) and inactive (offline) players.

An online game can be hosted by game networking system 120 b, which canbe accessed using any suitable connection with a suitable client system130. A player may have a game account on game networking system 120 b,wherein the game account can contain a variety of information associatedwith the player (e.g., the player's personal information, financialinformation, purchase history, player character state, game state). Insome embodiments, a player may play multiple games on game networkingsystem 120 b, which may maintain a single game account for the playerwith respect to all the games, or multiple individual game accounts foreach game with respect to the player. In some embodiments, gamenetworking system 120 b can assign a unique identifier to each player101 of an online game hosted on game networking system 120 b. Gamenetworking system 120 b can determine that a player 101 is accessing theonline game by reading the user's cookies, which may be appended to HTTPrequests transmitted by client system 130 and/or by the player 101logging onto the online game.

In particular embodiments, player 101 may access an online game andcontrol the game's progress via client system 130 (e.g., by inputtingcommands to the game at the client device). Client system 130 candisplay the game interface, receive inputs from player 101, transmituser inputs or other events to the game engine, and receive instructionsfrom the game engine. The game engine can be executed on any suitablesystem (such as, for example, client system 130, social networkingsystem 120 a, or game networking system 120 b). As an example and not byway of limitation, client system 130 can download client components ofan online game, which are executed locally, while a remote game server,such as game networking system 120 b, provides backend support for theclient components and may be responsible for maintaining applicationdata of the game, processing the inputs from the player, updating and/orsynchronizing the game state based on the game logic and each input fromthe player, and transmitting instructions to client system 130. Asanother example and not by way of limitation, each time player 101provides an input to the game through the client system 130 (such as,for example, by typing on the keyboard or clicking the mouse of clientsystem 130), the client components of the game may transmit the player'sinput to game networking system 120 b.

Game Systems, Social Networks, and Social Graphs

In an online multiplayer game, players may control player characters(PCs), while a game engine controls non-player characters (NPCs) andgame features and also manages player character state and game state andtracks the state for currently active (i.e., online) players andcurrently inactive (i.e., offline) players. A player character can havea set of attributes and a set of friends associated with the playercharacter. As used herein, the term “player character state” can referto any in-game characteristic of a player character, such as location,assets, levels, condition, health, status, inventory, skill set, name,orientation, affiliation, specialty, and so on. Player characters may bedisplayed as graphical avatars within a user interface of the game. Inother implementations, no avatar or other graphical representation ofthe player character is displayed. Game state encompasses the notion ofplayer character state and refers to any parameter value thatcharacterizes the state of an in-game element, such as a non-playercharacter, a virtual object (such as a wall or castle), and the like.The game engine may use player character state to determine the outcomeof game events, sometimes also considering set or random variables.Generally, a player character's probability of having a more favorableoutcome is greater when the player character has a better state. Forexample, a healthier player character is less likely to die in aparticular encounter relative to a weaker player character or non-playercharacter. In some embodiments, the game engine can assign a uniqueclient identifier to each player.

In particular embodiments, player 101 may access particular gameinstances of an online game. A game instance is copy of a specific gameplay area that is created during runtime. In particular embodiments, agame instance is a discrete game play area where one or more players 101can interact in synchronous or asynchronous play. A game instance maybe, for example, a level, zone, area, region, location, virtual space,or other suitable play area. A game instance may be populated by one ormore in-game objects. Each object may be defined within the gameinstance by one or more variables, such as, for example, position,height, width, depth, direction, time, duration, speed, color, and othersuitable variables. A game instance may be exclusive (i.e., accessibleby specific players) or non-exclusive (i.e., accessible by any player).In particular embodiments, a game instance is populated by one or moreplayer characters controlled by one or more players 101 and one or morein-game objects controlled by the game engine. When accessing an onlinegame, the game engine may allow player 101 to select a particular gameinstance to play from a plurality of game instances. Alternatively, thegame engine may automatically select the game instance that player 101will access. In particular embodiments, an online game comprises onlyone game instance that all players 101 of the online game can access.

In particular embodiments, a specific game instance may be associatedwith one or more specific players. A game instance is associated with aspecific player when one or more game parameters of the game instanceare associated with the specific player. As an example and not by way oflimitation, a game instance associated with a first player may be named“First Player's Play Area.” This game instance may be populated with thefirst player's PC and one or more in-game objects associated with thefirst player. In particular embodiments, a game instance associated witha specific player may only be accessible by that specific player. As anexample and not by way of limitation, a first player may access a firstgame instance when playing an online game, and this first game instancemay be inaccessible to all other players. In other embodiments, a gameinstance associated with a specific player may be accessible by one ormore other players, either synchronously or asynchronously with thespecific player's game play. As an example and not by way of limitation,a first player may be associated with a first game instance, but thefirst game instance may be accessed by all first-degree friends in thefirst player's social network. In particular embodiments, the gameengine may create a specific game instance for a specific player whenthat player accesses the game. As an example and not by way oflimitation, the game engine may create a first game instance when afirst player initially accesses an online game, and that same gameinstance may be loaded each time the first player accesses the game. Asanother example and not by way of limitation, the game engine may createa new game instance each time a first player accesses an online game,wherein each game instance may be created randomly or selected from aset of predetermined game instances. In particular embodiments, the setof in-game actions available to a specific player may be different in agame instance that is associated with that player compared to a gameinstance that is not associated with that player. The set of in-gameactions available to a specific player in a game instance associatedwith that player may be a subset, superset, or independent of the set ofin-game actions available to that player in a game instance that is notassociated with him. As an example and not by way of limitation, a firstplayer may be associated with a Blackacre territory in an onlineterritory battling game. The first player may be able to build housingand weapons on Blackacre territory. If the first player accesses gameinstance associated with another player, such as Whiteacre territory,the game engine may not allow the first player to build housing orweapons in that game instance. However, other in-game actions may beavailable to the first player, such as viewing defending units onWhiteacre territory.

In particular embodiments, a game engine can interface with a socialgraph. Social graphs are models of connections between entities (e.g.,individuals, users, contacts, friends, players, player characters,non-player characters, businesses, groups, associations, concepts,etc.). These entities are considered “users” of the social graph; assuch, the terms “entity” and “user” may be used interchangeably whenreferring to social graphs herein. A social graph can have a node foreach entity and edges to represent relationships between entities. Anode in a social graph can represent any entity. In particularembodiments, a unique client identifier can be assigned to each user inthe social graph. This disclosure assumes that at least one entity of asocial graph is a player or player character in an online multiplayergame.

The minimum number of edges required to connect a player (or playercharacter) to another user is considered the degree of separationbetween them. For example, where the player and the user are directlyconnected (one edge), they are deemed to be separated by one degree ofseparation. The user would be a so-called “first-degree friend” of theplayer. Where the player and the user are connected through one otheruser (two edges), they are deemed to be separated by two degrees ofseparation. This user would be a so-called “second-degree friend” of theplayer. Where the player and the user are connected through N edges (orN- 1 other users), they are deemed to be separated by N degrees ofseparation. This user would be a so-called “Nth-degree friend.” As usedherein, the term “friend” means only first-degree friends, unlesscontext suggests otherwise.

Within the social graph, each player (or player character) has a socialnetwork. A player's social network includes all users in the socialgraph within Nmax degrees of the player, where Nmax is the maximumdegree of separation allowed by the system managing the social graph(such as, for example, social networking system 120 a or game networkingsystem 120 b). In one embodiment, Nmax equals 1, such that the player'ssocial network includes only first-degree friends. In anotherembodiment, Nmax is unlimited and the player's social network iscoextensive with the social graph.

In particular embodiments, the social graph is managed by gamenetworking system 120 b, which is managed by the game operator. In otherembodiments, the social graph is part of a social networking system 120a managed by a third-party (e.g., Facebook, Myspace). In yet otherembodiments, player 101 has a social network on both game networkingsystem 120 b and social networking system 120 a, wherein player 101 canhave a social network on the game networking system 120 b that is asubset, superset, or independent of the player's social network onsocial networking system 120 a. In such combined systems, game networksystem 120 b can maintain social graph information with edge typeattributes that indicate whether a given friend is an “in-game friend,”an “out-of-game friend,” or both. The various embodiments disclosedherein are operable when the social graph is managed by socialnetworking system 120 a, game networking system 120 b, or both.

FIG. 2A shows an example of a social network within a social graph. Asshown, Player 206 can be associated, connected or linked to variousother users, or “friends,” within the social network 200. Theseassociations, connections or links can track relationships between userswithin the social network 200 and are commonly referred to as online“friends” or “friendships” between users. Each friend or friendship in aparticular user's social network within a social graph is commonlyreferred to as a “node.” For purposes of illustration and not by way oflimitation, the details of social network 200 will be described inrelation to Player 206. As used herein, the terms “player” and “user”can be used interchangeably and can refer to any user or character in anonline multiuser game system or social networking system. As usedherein, the term “friend” can mean any node within a player's socialnetwork.

As shown in FIG. 2, Player 206 has direct connections with severalfriends. When Player 206 has a direct connection with another individualthat connection is referred to as a first-degree friend. In socialnetwork 200, Player 206 has two first-degree friends. That is, Player206 is directly connected to Friend 208 and Friend 210. In a socialgraph, it is possible for individuals to be connected to otherindividuals through their first-degree friends (i.e., friends offriends). As described above, each edge required to connect a player toanother user is considered the degree of separation. For example, FIG. 2shows that Player 206 has three second-degree friends to which he isconnected via his connection to his first-degree friends. Second-degreeFriend 216 and Friend 218 are connected to Player 206 via hisfirst-degree Friend 208. The limit on the depth of friend connections,or the number of degrees of separation for associations, that Player 206is allowed is typically dictated by the restrictions and policiesimplemented by social networking system 120 a.

In various embodiments, Player 206 can have Nth-degree friends connectedto him through a chain of intermediary degree friends as indicated inFIG. 2. For example, Nth-degree Friend 1N 226 is connected to Player 206via second-degree Friend 220 and one or more other higher-degreefriends. Various embodiments may take advantage of and utilize thedistinction between the various degrees of friendship relative to Player206.

In particular embodiments, a player (or player character) can have asocial graph within an online multiplayer game that is maintained by thegame engine and another social graph maintained by a separate socialnetworking system. FIG. 2 depicts an example of in-game social network224 and out-of-game social network 228. In this example, Player 206 hasout-of-game connections 204 to a plurality of friends, formingout-of-game social network 228. Here, Friend 208 and Friend 210 arefirst-degree friends with Player 206 in his out-of-game social network228. Player 206 also has in-game connections 202 to a plurality ofplayers, forming in-game social network 224. Here, Friend 212 and Friend214 are first-degree friends with Player 206 in his in-game socialnetwork 224. Friend 222 is a second-degree friend with Player 206 in hisin-game social network 224. In some embodiments, it is possible for afriend to be in both the out-of-game social network 228 and the in-gamesocial network 224. Here, Friend 210 has both an out-of-game connection204 and an in-game connection 202 with Player 206, such that Friend 210is in both Player 206's in-game social network 224 and Player 206'sout-of-game social network 228.

As with other social networks, Player 206 can have second-degree andhigher-degree friends in both his in-game and out of game socialnetworks. In some embodiments, it is possible for Player 206 to have afriend connected to him both in his in-game and out-of-game socialnetworks, wherein the friend is at different degrees of separation ineach network. For example, if Friend 218 had a direct in-game connectionwith Player 206, Friend 218 would be a second-degree friend in Player206's out-of-game social network, but a first-degree friend in Player206's in-game social network. In particular embodiments, a game enginecan access in-game social network 224, out-of-game social network 228,or both.

In particular embodiments, the connections in a player's in-game socialnetwork can be formed both explicitly (e.g., users must “friend” eachother) and implicitly (e.g., system observes user behaviors and“friends” users to each other). Unless otherwise indicated, reference toa friend connection between two or more players can be interpreted tocover both explicit and implicit connections, using one or more socialgraphs and other factors to infer friend connections. The friendconnections can be unidirectional or bidirectional. It is also not alimitation of this description that two players who are deemed “friends”for the purposes of this disclosure are not friends in real life (i.e.,in disintermediated interactions or the like), but that could be thecase.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example data flow between the components of asystem 300. In particular embodiments, the system 300 can include aclient system 330, a social networking system 320 a, and a gamenetworking system 320 b. The components of the system 300 can beconnected to each other in any suitable configuration, using anysuitable type of connection. The components may be connected directly orover any suitable network. The client system 330, the social networkingsystem 320 a, and the game networking system 320 b can each have one ormore corresponding data stores such as local data store 325, social datastore 345, and game data store 365, respectively. The social networkingsystem 320 a and the game networking system 320 b can also have one ormore servers that can communicate with the client system 330 over anappropriate network. The social networking system 320 a and the gamenetworking system 320 b can have, for example, one or more internetservers for communicating with the client system 330 via the Internet.Similarly, the social networking system 320 a and the game networkingsystem 320 b can have one or more mobile servers for communicating withthe client system 330 via a mobile network (e.g., GSM, PCS, Wi-Fi, WPAN,etc.). In some embodiments, one server may be able to communicate withthe client system 330 over both the Internet and a mobile network. Inother embodiments, separate servers can be used.

The client system 330 can receive and transmit data 323 to and from thegame networking system 320 b. This data can include, for example,webpages, messages, game inputs, game displays, HTTP packets, datarequests, transaction information, updates, and other suitable data. Atsome other time, or at the same time, the game networking system 320 bcan communicate data 347 (e.g., game state information, game systemaccount information, page info, messages, data requests, updates, etc.)with other networking systems, such as the social networking system 320a (e.g., Facebook, Myspace, etc.). The client system 330 can alsoreceive and transmit data 327 to and from the social networking system320 a. This data can include, for example, webpages, messages, socialgraph information, social network displays, HTTP packets, data requests,transaction information, updates, and other suitable data.

Communication between the client system 330, the social networkingsystem 320 a, and the game networking system 320 b can occur over anyappropriate electronic communication medium or network using anysuitable communications protocols. For example, the client system 330,as well as various servers of the systems described herein, may includeTransport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networking stacksto provide for datagram and transport functions. Of course, any othersuitable network and transport layer protocols can be utilized.

In addition, hosts or end-systems described herein may use a variety ofhigher layer communications protocols, including client-server (orrequest-response) protocols (such as HTTP), other communicationsprotocols (such as HTTP-S, FTP, SNMP, TELNET), and a number of otherprotocols. In addition, a server in one interaction context may be aclient in another interaction context. In particular embodiments, theinformation transmitted between hosts may be formatted as HyperTextMarkup Language (HTML) documents. Other structured document languages orformats can be used, such as XML and the like. Executable code objects,such as JavaScript and ActionScript, can also be embedded in thestructured documents.

In some client-server protocols, such as the use of HTML over HTTP, aserver generally transmits a response to a request from a client. Theresponse may comprise one or more data objects. For example, theresponse may comprise a first data object, followed by subsequentlytransmitted data objects. In particular embodiments, a client requestmay cause a server to respond with a first data object, such as an HTMLpage, which itself refers to other data objects. A client application,such as a browser, will request these additional data objects as itparses or otherwise processes the first data object.

In particular embodiments, an instance of an online game can be storedas a set of game state parameters that characterize the state of variousin-game objects, such as, for example, player character stateparameters, non-player character parameters, and virtual itemparameters. In particular embodiments, game state is maintained in adatabase as a serialized, unstructured string of text data as aso-called Binary Large Object (BLOB). When a player accesses an onlinegame on the game networking system 320 b, the BLOB containing the gamestate for the instance corresponding to the player can be transmitted tothe client system 330 for use by a client-side executed object toprocess. In particular embodiments, the client-side executable may be aFLASH-based game, which can de-serialize the game state data in theBLOB. As a player plays the game, the game logic implemented at theclient system 330 maintains and modifies the various game stateparameters locally. The client-side game logic may also batch gameevents, such as mouse clicks, and transmit these events to the gamenetworking system 320 b. The game networking system 320 b may itselfoperate by retrieving a copy of the BLOB from a database or anintermediate memory cache (memcache) layer. The game networking system320 b can also de-serialize the BLOB to resolve the game stateparameters and execute its own game logic based on the events in thebatch file of events transmitted by the client to synchronize the gamestate on the server side. The game networking system 320 b may thenre-serialize the game state, now modified, into a BLOB and pass this toa memory cache layer for lazy updates to a persistent database.

With a client-server environment in which the online games may run, oneserver system, such as the game networking system 320 b, may supportmultiple client systems 330. At any given time, there may be multipleplayers at multiple client systems 330 all playing the same online game.In practice, the number of players playing the same game at the sametime may be very large. As the game progresses with each player,multiple players may provide different inputs to the online game attheir respective client systems 330, and multiple client systems 330 maytransmit multiple player inputs and/or game events to game networkingsystem 320 b for further processing. In addition, multiple clientsystems 330 may transmit other types of application data to gamenetworking system 320 b.

In particular embodiments, a computer-implemented game may be atext-based or turn-based game implemented as a series of web pages thatare generated after a player selects one or more actions to perform. Theweb pages may be displayed in a browser client executed on the clientsystem 330. As an example and not by way of limitation, a clientapplication downloaded to the client system 330 may operate to serve aset of web pages to a player. As another example and not by way oflimitation, a computer-implemented game may be an animated or renderedgame executable as a stand-alone application or within the context of awebpage or other structured document. In particular embodiments, thecomputer-implemented game may be implemented using Adobe Flash-basedtechnologies. As an example and not by way of limitation, a game may befully or partially implemented as a SWF object that is embedded in a webpage and executable by a Flash media player plug-in. In particularembodiments, one or more described webpages may be associated with oraccessed by the social networking system 320 a. This disclosurecontemplates using any suitable application for the retrieval andrendering of structured documents hosted by any suitablenetwork-addressable resource or website.

Application event data of a game is any data relevant to the game (e.g.,player inputs). In particular embodiments, each application datum mayhave a name and a value, and the value of the application datum maychange (i.e., be updated) at any time. When an update to an applicationdatum occurs at the client system 330, either caused by an action of agame player or by the game logic itself, the client system 330 may needto inform the game networking system 320 b of the update. For example,if the game is a combat game with combat units and weapons mechanic(such as Zynga's Empires and Allies), an event can correspond to aplayer clicking on a barrack to build combat units. In such an instance,the application event data may identify an event or action (e.g.,building barracks) and an object in the game to which the event oraction applies. For illustration purposes and not by way of limitation,the system 300 is discussed in reference to updating a multi-playeronline game hosted on a network-addressable system (such as, forexample, the social networking system 320 a or the game networkingsystem 320 b), where an instance of the online game is executed remotelyon the client system 330, which then transmits application event data tothe hosting system such that the remote game server synchronizes gamestate associated with the instance executed by the client system 330.

In a particular embodiment, one or more objects of a game may berepresented as an Adobe Flash object. Flash may manipulate vector andraster graphics and support bidirectional streaming of audio and video.“Flash” may mean the authoring environment, the player, or theapplication files. In particular embodiments, the client system 330 mayinclude a Flash client. The Flash client may be configured to receiveand run Flash application or game object code from any suitablenetworking system (such as, for example, the social networking system320 a or the game networking system 320 b). In particular embodiments,the Flash client may be run in a browser client executed on the clientsystem 330. A player can interact with Flash objects using the clientsystem 330 and the Flash client. The Flash objects can represent avariety of in-game objects. Thus, the player may perform various in-gameactions on various in-game objects by making various changes and updatesto the associated Flash objects. In particular embodiments, in-gameactions can be initiated by clicking or similarly interacting with aFlash object that represents a particular in-game object. For example, aplayer can interact with a Flash object to use, move, rotate, delete,attack, shoot, or harvest an in-game object. This disclosurecontemplates performing any suitable in-game action by interacting withany suitable Flash object. In particular embodiments, when the playermakes a change to a Flash object representing an in-game object, theclient-executed game logic may update one or more game state parametersassociated with the in-game object. To ensure synchronization betweenthe Flash object shown to the player at the client system 330, the Flashclient may send the events that caused the game state changes to thein-game object to the game networking system 320 b. However, to expeditethe processing and hence the speed of the overall gaming experience, theFlash client may collect a batch of some number of events or updatesinto a batch file. The number of events or updates may be determined bythe Flash client dynamically or determined by game networking system 320b based on server loads or other factors. For example, the client system330 may send a batch file to the game networking system 320 b wheneverseveral updates have been collected or after a threshold period of time,such as every minute.

As used herein, the term “application event data” may refer to any datarelevant to a computer-implemented game application that may affect oneor more game state parameters, including, for example and withoutlimitation, changes to player data or metadata, changes to player socialconnections or contacts, player inputs to the game, and events generatedby the game logic. In particular embodiments, each application datum mayhave a name and a value. The value of an application datum may change atany time in response to the game play of a player or in response to thegame engine (e.g., based on the game logic). In particular embodiments,an application data update occurs when the value of a specificapplication datum is changed. In particular embodiments, eachapplication event datum may include an action or event name and a value(such as an object identifier). Thus, each application datum may berepresented as a name-value pair in the batch file. The batch file mayinclude a collection of name-value pairs representing the applicationdata that have been updated at the client system 330. In particularembodiments, the batch file may be a text file and the name-value pairsmay be in string format.

In particular embodiments, when a player plays an online game on theclient system 330, the game networking system 320 b may serialize allthe game-related data, including, for example and without limitation,game states, game events, user inputs, for this particular user and thisparticular game into a BLOB and stores the BLOB in a database. The BLOBmay be associated with an identifier that indicates that the BLOBcontains the serialized game-related data for a particular player and aparticular online game. In particular embodiments, while a player is notplaying the online game, the corresponding BLOB may be stored in thedatabase. This enables a player to stop playing the game at any timewithout losing the current state of the game the player is in. When aplayer resumes playing the game next time, the game networking system320 b may retrieve the corresponding BLOB from the database to determinethe most recent values of the game-related data. In particularembodiments, while a player is playing the online game, the gamenetworking system 320 b may also load the corresponding BLOB into amemory cache so that the game system may have faster access to the BLOBand the game-related data contained therein.

A game event may be an outcome of an engagement, a provision of access,rights and/or benefits, or the obtaining of some assets (e.g., health,money, strength, inventory, land, etc.). A game engine determines theoutcome of a game event according to a variety of factors, such as thegame rules, a player character's in-game actions, player characterstate, game state, interactions of other player characters, and randomcalculations. Engagements can include simple tasks (e.g., plant a crop,clean a stove), complex tasks (e.g., build a farm or business, run acafé), or other events.

An online game can be hosted by the game networking system 320 b, whichcan be accessed over any suitable network with an appropriate clientsystem 330. A player may have a game system account on a game system ofthe game networking system 320 b, wherein the game system account cancontain a variety of information about the player (e.g., the player'spersonal information, player character state, game state, etc.). Invarious embodiments, an online game can be embedded into a third-partywebsite. The game can be hosted by the networking system of thethird-party website, or it can be hosted on the game system 321 andmerely accessed via the third-party website. The embedded online gamecan be hosted solely on a server of the game system 321 or using athird-party vendor server. In addition, any combination of the functionsof the present disclosure can be hosted on or provided from any numberof distributed network resources. For example, one or more executablecode objects that implement all or a portion of the game can bedownloaded to a client system for execution.

A collaborative diplomacy mechanics module 301 of the game networkingsystem 320 b communicates with the social networking system 320 a. AnAPI may be provided to interface both social networking system 320 a andthe game networking system 320 b with the collaborative diplomacymechanics module 301.

The collaborative diplomacy mechanics module 301 may be configured toreceive from a player a request to engage in a combat mode against acomputer-controlled player in the online social game. The collaborativediplomacy mechanics module 301 first determines whether the player iseligible to select an ally to assist the player in the combat game modebased on a game level of the player in the online social game. If theplayer is eligible, one or more allies are generated from which theplayer can select based on the game level of the player and/or thenumber of in game neighbors of the player. Allies can be in gameneighbors, friends from a social networking system, or acomputer-controlled player for hire. Allies provide a random power-upfeature (for example, increase defensive and/or offensive power of theplayer in the battle) or a super weapon (for example, bombs, powerfulartillery, air strikes, and so forth) per battle. The super weapon isgenerated based on a profile of the selected ally or randomly selected.The super weapon can be applied one-time during the combat game mode orthe battle.

In one embodiment, after a friend or in game neighbor is used as an allyin a battle, that friend or in game neighbor will not be available forcombat for another period of time (for example, 24 hours). However, theplayer can hire a mercenary (a computer-controlled player) for cash ifno other friends or in game neighbors are available as allies.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the collaborative diplomacymechanics module 301. The collaborative diplomacy mechanics module 301includes an ally selection module 402, an ally profile module 404, anally power up weapon selector module 406, a combat mode with ally powerup weapon module 408, and an ally reward module 410.

The ally selection module 402 may determine whether the player iseligible to select an ally for a combat mode in an online social game.For example, the player may be playing a mission based mode of theonline social game. The player may have reached a minimum level to beeligible to use an ally in the combat mode. As such, the ally selectionmodule 402 may present the player with one or more allies for the playerto choose from. The ally selection module 402 may include an onlineneighbor module 412 and a mercenaries for hire module 414.

The online neighbor module 412 may be configured to determine andgenerate in game neighbors of the player that may be eligible toparticipate as allies in the battle. Generally, an in game neighbor canonly be used as an ally of the player in a battle for a predeterminedamount of time, for example, 24 hours. In another embodiment, the onlineneighbor may determine neighbors or friends of the player in the onlinesocial game of the game networking system, friends of the player outsidethe online social game (in another online social game), friends of theplayer from the social networking system.

The mercenaries for hire module 414 may be configured to determine andgenerate computer controlled players or allies. For example, the playermay hire an ally for a fee such as points, coins, etc . . .

After presenting the choice of allies to the player, the ally selectionmodule 402 may also be configured to receive a selection of an ally tobe engaged in the combat mode or battle mode of the online social gamefrom the player.

The ally profile module 404 stores profiles of allies. For example, theally profile may include the game level of the ally in the online socialgame, the experience level of the ally, the black/red heart level (blacklevel increases as the player attacks other more often, red levelincreases as the player defends other players more often), the weaponspecialty of the player, the number of types of combat units of theplayer, and so forth.

The ally power up weapon selector module 406 generates an ally power upweapon based on the profile of the selected ally. In one embodiment, theally power up weapon may be randomly generated from the power up weaponsavailable to the ally or earned by the ally. In another embodiment, theally power up weapon may be selected based on the black or red heartlevel. For example, the ally power up weapon may include a speedyrecovery power if the ally has a high red heart level. In yet anotherembodiment, the ally power up weapon may be selected based on aspecialty of the ally. For example, if the ally has a lot of air combatunits, the ally power up weapon may be related to air combat unitspowers.

The combat mode with ally power up weapon module 408 applies the allypower up weapon against combat units of an enemy of a player in thecombat mode or on the combat units of the player in the combat mode. Forexample, the power up weapon may cause extra damages to the combat unitsof the enemy of the player in the battle. In another example, the powerup weapon may cause additional defense abilities to the combat units ofthe player in the battle.

The ally reward module 410 may generate a reward for the ally inresponse to the selection of the ally by a player of the online socialgame. In another embodiment, the ally reward module 410 may generate thereward for the ally based on a result of the combat mode. For example,if the player wins the battle, the reward may be higher than if theplayer loses the battle. Rewards may include points, coins, power upweapons, experience points, and so forth.

FIG. 5A illustrates a flow diagram 500 of an example of a method forcollaborative diplomacy mechanics for an online social game. Atoperation 502, in order to enter into a combat engagement, users need aminimum number of in-game neighbors, also known as allies, available toparticipate in that engagement. The user selects the allies for thatfight, select their military unit, and enter into the combat engagement.In that engagement, allies act as a superweapon. The user can choose todeploy the superweapon during any of their combat turns, which casts apower up. The ally is then “consumed” and can't be used again withinthat combat engagement. Additionally, that ally is not available to helpenter another combat engagement until a fixed amount of time (ie24 hrs)passes. Once that period of time is over, the user can then use thatperson as one of the allies required to enter the next combatengagement. If users do not have actual allies available, they maypurchase a Hero, which functions the same as an ally. An alternateimplementation will also be tested where an ally is not consumed untilthey are actually deployed in combat engagements. This feature may alsobe referred to as “friends as energy” mechanic.

At 502, a minimum number of in games neighbors is required before aplayer engaged into a combat mode against another player (AI). Inanother embodiment, a minimum number of in games neighbors is requiredbefore a player can utilize the help of an ally before engaging into acombat mode against another player (AI).

At 504, the player selects to engage in a combat mode against the AIplayer.

At 506, the player selects or can purchase an ally to help defeat the AIplayer.

At 508, a super weapon is selected based on the profile of the ally. Forexample, the super weapon is selected from an array of super weapons inpossession by the ally. In another embodiment, the super weapon israndomly selected. In another embodiment, the selected super weapon isbased on the level of the ally. In another embodiment, the super weaponis selected based on a profile of the ally. For example, if the ally hasmore red hearts (good deeds like helping others) than black hearts(black deeds like attacking others), the super weapon may be gearedtowards enhancing the healing power of the army units of the player(attacker). On the other hand, if the ally has more black hearts, thesuper weapon may be geared towards increasing the damage ability of aweapon.

At 510, in one embodiment, the super power weapon is cast only one timewithin a predefined amount of time (e.g. within the combat mode orwithin 24 hours of the attack).

One of the concepts as previously discussed is to combine the harvestmechanic and other features previously unique to action space socialgames like Farmville and Café World with the battle mechanics of theadapted spreadsheet games like Mafia Wars. Already designed into Empires& Allies are features such as growing and harvesting food needed forarmies and natural resources such as metals, wood and energy needed tobuild factories, ammunition stockpiles and weapons. One game feature isthat a player may use his or her friends as “consumable power-ups” inbattle. One feature include factoring battle strength and a player'scapabilities/prospects of prevailing in battle based on the unique gameprofiles of those friends which that player chooses to bring intobattle. For example, a friend's game level, preferred battle mode (air,land, sea) and unique accomplishments in building his or her own empirewould be factored into a player's battle team strength and capabilities.Similarly the player against whom the first was going into battle wouldalso have these attributes factored into his or her position andprospects.

FIG. 5B is a flow diagram 511 illustrating one example embodiment of amethod for operating a combat mode with an online neighbor (alsoreferred to as in game neighbor) as an ally. At 512, the player selectsan in game neighbor as an ally for a battle against acomputer-controlled player in the online social game. At 514, theprofile of the in game neighbor is retrieved. At 516, the power upfeature is based on the profile of the in game neighbor. At 518, thepower up feature in the combat mode is operated one time during thebattle. At 520, a reward may be generated for the in game neighbor forhelping the player.

FIG. 5C is a flow diagram 521 illustrating one example embodiment of amethod for operating a combat mode with a mercenary for hire as an ally.At 522, a player selects a mercenary for hire (for example, acomputer-controlled player) as an ally for a battle against acomputer-controlled player in the online social game. At 524, the feefor using the ally is deducted from the player. For example, 50 coinsmay be deducted from the player for using a particular ally. At 526, thepower up feature may be generated based on the profile of mercenaryally. For example, the mercenary may have a specialty with navalweapons. As such, the power up weapon may be related to naval weapons.At 528, the power up feature in the combat mode is operated one timeduring the battle.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example network environment in which variousexample embodiments may operate. In particular embodiments, one or moredescribed webpages may be associated with a networking system ornetworking service. However, alternate embodiments may have applicationto the retrieval and rendering of structured documents hosted by anytype of network addressable resource or web site. Additionally, as usedherein, a user may be an individual, a group, or an entity (such as abusiness or third party application).

Network cloud 660 generally represents one or more interconnectednetworks, over which the systems and hosts described herein cancommunicate. Network cloud 660 may include packet-based wide areanetworks (such as the Internet), private networks, wireless networks,satellite networks, cellular networks, paging networks, and the like. AsFIG. 6 illustrates, particular embodiments may operate in a networkenvironment comprising one or more networking systems, such as socialnetworking system 620 a, game networking system 620 b, and one or moreclient systems 630. The components of social networking system 620 a andgame networking system 620 b operate analogously; as such, hereinaftermay be referred to simply at networking system 620. Client systems 630are operably connected to the network environment via a network serviceprovider, a wireless carrier, or any other suitable means.

Networking system 620 is a network addressable system that, in variousexample embodiments, comprises one or more physical servers 622 and datastores 624. The one or more physical servers 622 are operably connectedto network cloud 660 via, by way of example, a set of routers and/ornetworking switches 626. In an example embodiment, the functionalityhosted by the one or more physical servers 122 may include web or HTTPservers, FTP servers, as well as, without limitation, webpages andapplications implemented using Common Gateway Interface (CGI) script,PHP Hyper-text Preprocessor (PHP), Active Server Pages (ASP), HTML, XML,Java, JavaScript, Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX), Flash,ActionScript, and the like.

Physical servers 622 may host functionality directed to the operationsof networking system 620. Hereinafter, servers 622 may be referred to asserver 622, although server 622 may include numerous servers hosting,for example, networking system 620, as well as other contentdistribution servers, data stores, and databases. Data store 624 maystore content and data relating to, and enabling, operation ofnetworking system 620 as digital data objects. A data object, inparticular embodiments, is an item of digital information typicallystored or embodied in a data file, database, or record. Content objectsmay take many forms, including: text (e.g., ASCII, SGML, HTML), images(e.g., jpeg, tif and gif), graphics (vector-based or bitmap), audio,video (e.g., mpeg), or other multimedia, and combinations thereof.Content object data may also include executable code objects (e.g.,games executable within a browser window or frame), podcasts, and thelike. Logically, data store 624 corresponds to one or more of a varietyof separate and integrated databases, such as relational databases andobject-oriented databases, that maintain information as an integratedcollection of logically related records or files stored on one or morephysical systems. Structurally, data store 624 may generally include oneor more of a large class of data storage and management systems. Inparticular embodiments, data store 624 may be implemented by anysuitable physical system(s) including components such as one or moredatabase servers, mass storage media, media library systems, storagearea networks, data storage clouds, and the like. In one exampleembodiment, data store 624 includes one or more servers, databases(e.g., MySQL), and/or data warehouses. Data store 624 may include dataassociated with different networking system 620 users and/or clientsystems 630.

Client system 630 is generally a computer or computing device includingfunctionality for communicating (e.g., remotely) over a computernetwork. Client system 630 may be a desktop computer, laptop computer,personal digital assistant (PDA), in- or out-of-car navigation system,smart phone or other cellular or mobile phone, or mobile gaming device,among other suitable computing devices. Client system 630 may executeone or more client applications, such as a web browser (e.g., MicrosoftInternet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Google Chrome, andOpera), to access and view content over a computer network. Inparticular embodiments, the client applications allow a user of clientsystem 630 to enter addresses of specific network resources to beretrieved, such as resources hosted by networking system 620. Theseaddresses can be Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and the like. Inaddition, once a page or other resource has been retrieved, the clientapplications may provide access to other pages or records when the user“clicks” on hyperlinks to other resources. By way of example, suchhyperlinks may be located within the webpages and provide an automatedway for the user to enter the URL of another page and to retrieve thatpage.

A webpage or resource embedded within a webpage, which may itselfinclude multiple embedded resources, may include data records, such asplain textual information, or more complex digitally encoded multimediacontent, such as software programs or other code objects, graphics,images, audio signals, videos, and so forth. One prevalent markuplanguage for creating webpages is HTML. Other common webbrowser-supported languages and technologies include XML, the ExtensibleHypertext Markup Language (XHTML), JavaScript, Flash, ActionScript,Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), and, frequently, Java. By way of example,HTML enables a page developer to create a structured document bydenoting structural semantics for text and links, as well as images, webapplications, and other objects that can be embedded within the page.Generally, a webpage may be delivered to a client as a static document;however, through the use of web elements embedded in the page, aninteractive experience may be achieved with the page or a sequence ofpages. During a user session at the client, the web browser interpretsand displays the pages and associated resources received or retrievedfrom the website hosting the page, as well as, potentially, resourcesfrom other websites.

When a user at a client system 630 desires to view a particular webpage(hereinafter also referred to as target structured document) hosted bynetworking system 620, the user's web browser, or other documentrendering engine or suitable client application, formulates andtransmits a request to networking system 620. The request generallyincludes a URL or other document identifier as well as metadata or otherinformation. By way of example, the request may include informationidentifying the user, such as a user ID, as well as informationidentifying or characterizing the web browser or operating systemrunning on the user's client system 630. The request may also includelocation information identifying a geographic location of the user'sclient system 630 or a logical network location of the user's clientsystem 630. The request may also include a timestamp identifying whenthe request was transmitted.

Although the example network environment described above and illustratedin FIG. 6 is described with respect to social networking system 620 aand game networking system 620 b, this disclosure encompasses anysuitable network environment using any suitable systems. As an exampleand not by way of limitation, the network environment may include onlinemedia systems, online reviewing systems, online search engines, onlineadvertising systems, or any combination of two or more such systems.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example computing system architecture, which maybe used to implement a server 622 or a client system 630. In oneembodiment, hardware system 700 comprises a processor 702, a cachememory 704, and one or more executable modules and drivers, stored on atangible computer readable medium, directed to the functions describedherein. Additionally, hardware system 700 may include a high performanceinput/output (I/O) bus 706 and a standard I/O bus 708. A host bridge 710may couple processor 702 to high performance I/O bus 706, whereas I/Obus bridge 712 couples the two buses 706 and 708 to each other. A systemmemory 714 and one or more network/communication interfaces 716 maycouple to bus 706. Hardware system 700 may further include video memory(not shown) and a display device coupled to the video memory. Massstorage 718 and I/O ports 720 may couple to bus 708. Hardware system 700may optionally include a keyboard, a pointing device, and a displaydevice (not shown) coupled to bus 708. Collectively, these elements areintended to represent a broad category of computer hardware systems,including but not limited to general purpose computer systems based onthe x86-compatible processors manufactured by Intel Corporation of SantaClara, California, and the x86-compatible processors manufactured byAdvanced Micro Devices (AMD), Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., as well as anyother suitable processor.

The elements of hardware system 700 are described in greater detailbelow. In particular, network interface 716 provides communicationbetween hardware system 700 and any of a wide range of networks, such asan Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3) network, a backplane, and the like. Massstorage 718 provides permanent storage for the data and programminginstructions to perform the above-described functions implemented inservers 622, whereas system memory 714 (e.g., DRAM) provides temporarystorage for the data and programming instructions when executed byprocessor 702. I/O ports 720 are one or more serial and/or parallelcommunication ports that provide communication between additionalperipheral devices, which may be coupled to hardware system 700.

Hardware system 700 may include a variety of system architectures, andvarious components of hardware system 700 may be rearranged. Forexample, cache 704 may be on-chip with processor 702. Alternatively,cache 704 and processor 702 may be packed together as a “processormodule,” with processor 702 being referred to as the “processor core.”Furthermore, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may notrequire nor include all of the above components. For example, theperipheral devices shown coupled to standard I/O bus 708 may couple tohigh performance I/O bus 706. In addition, in some embodiments, only asingle bus may exist, with the components of hardware system 700 beingcoupled to the single bus. Furthermore, hardware system 700 may includeadditional components, such as additional processors, storage devices,or memories.

An operating system manages and controls the operation of hardwaresystem 700, including the input and output of data to and from softwareapplications (not shown). The operating system provides an interfacebetween the software applications being executed on the system and thehardware components of the system. Any suitable operating system may beused, such as the LINUX Operating System, the Apple Macintosh OperatingSystem, available from Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., UNIXoperating systems, Microsoft® Windows® operating systems, BSD operatingsystems, and the like. Of course, other embodiments are possible. Forexample, the functions described herein may be implemented in firmwareor on an application-specific integrated circuit.

Empires and Allies Example

An example of collaborative diplomacy mechanics is illustrated in FIGS.8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D. FIG. 8A illustrates a combat mode screenshot 800.The lower map portion 802 represents combat units from the player. Theupper map portion 804 represents combat units 806 from the enemy. Thecombat units 806 may be identified with their corresponding fightingstrength level 808. An ally toolbar 810 on the bottom of the combat modescreenshot 800 displays available allies. In that example, the allytoolbar 810 displays two available allies: an in game neighbor 812, anda mercenary for hire 814. The player is asked to select an ally to jointhe battle.

FIG. 8B illustrates a combat mode screenshot 811. The player is asked toselect available combat units 820 from the available units toolbar 818to be placed on the battle ground.

FIG. 8C illustrates a combat mode screenshot 821. The selected combatunit 822 goes into combat with combat unit 806 from the enemy.

FIG. 8D illustrates a combat mode screenshot 831. The selected ally 824casts a special power up weapon 826 on the combat units of the enemy.

Miscellaneous

Furthermore, the above-described elements and operations can becomprised of instructions that are stored on non-transitory storagemedia. The instructions can be retrieved and executed by a processingsystem. Some examples of instructions are software, program code, andfirmware. Some examples of non-transitory storage media are memorydevices, tape, disks, integrated circuits, and servers. The instructionsare operational when executed by the processing system to direct theprocessing system to operate in accord with the disclosure. The term“processing system” refers to a single processing device or a group ofinter-operational processing devices. Some examples of processingdevices are integrated circuits and logic circuitry. Those skilled inthe art are familiar with instructions, computers, and storage media.

Certain embodiments described herein may be implemented as logic or anumber of modules, engines, components, or mechanisms. A module, engine,logic, component, or mechanism (collectively referred to as a “module”)may be a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations andconfigured or arranged in a certain manner. In certain exampleembodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client,or server computer system) or one or more components of a computersystem (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured bysoftware (e.g., an application or application portion) or firmware (notethat software and firmware can generally be used interchangeably hereinas is known by a skilled artisan) as a module that operates to performcertain operations described herein.

In various embodiments, a module may be implemented mechanically orelectronically. For example, a module may comprise dedicated circuitryor logic that is permanently configured (e.g., within a special-purposeprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or array) toperform certain operations. A module may also comprise programmablelogic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purposeprocessor or other programmable processor) that is temporarilyconfigured by software or firmware to perform certain operations. Itwill be appreciated that a decision to implement a module mechanically,in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarilyconfigured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by,for example, cost, time, energy-usage, and package size considerations.

Accordingly, the term “module” should be understood to encompass atangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed,permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured(e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certainoperations described herein. Considering embodiments in which modules orcomponents are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of themodules or components need not be configured or instantiated at any oneinstance in time. For example, where the modules or components comprisea general-purpose processor configured using software, thegeneral-purpose processor may be configured as respective differentmodules at different times. Software may accordingly configure theprocessor to constitute a particular module at one instance of time andto constitute a different module at a different instance of time.

Modules can provide information to, and receive information from, othermodules. Accordingly, the described modules may be regarded as beingcommunicatively coupled. Where multiples of such modules existcontemporaneously, communications may be achieved through signaltransmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses) that connectthe modules. In embodiments in which multiple modules are configured orinstantiated at different times, communications between such modules maybe achieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval ofinformation in memory structures to which the multiple modules haveaccess. For example, one module may perform an operation and store theoutput of that operation in a memory device to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further module may then, at a later time,access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output.Modules may also initiate communications with input or output devicesand can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information).

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one ormore features of any other embodiment without departing from the scopeof the disclosure.

A recitation of “a,” “an,” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary. In addition, it is to beunderstood that functional operations, such as “awarding,” “locating,”“permitting” and the like, are executed by game application logic thataccesses, and/or causes changes to, various data attribute valuesmaintained in a database or other memory.

The present disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions,variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodimentsherein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend.Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exampleembodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art wouldcomprehend.

For example, the methods, game features and game mechanics describedherein may be implemented using hardware components, softwarecomponents, and/or any combination thereof. By way of example, whileembodiments of the present disclosure have been described as operatingin connection with a networking website, various embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be used in connection with any communicationsfacility that supports web applications. Furthermore, in someembodiments the term “web service” and “website” may be usedinterchangeably and additionally may refer to a custom or generalizedAPI on a device, such as a mobile device (e.g., cellular phone, smartphone, personal GPS, PDA, personal gaming device, etc.), that makes APIcalls directly to a server. Still further, while the embodimentsdescribed above operate with business-related virtual objects (such asstores and restaurants), the disclosure can be applied to any in-gameasset around which a harvest mechanic is implemented, such as a virtualstove, a plot of land, and the like. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications andchanges may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spiritand scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims and that thedisclosure is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents withinthe scope of the following claims.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an ally selection modulecomprising one or more computer processors configured to: access asocial network graph of which a player of a computer-implementedmultiplayer online game forms part, the social network graph comprisinga plurality of other players that are candidate allies for the player,and enable the player to select, from the plurality of candidate allies,an ally to assist the player in a competitive engagement duringgameplay; in an automated operation performed by the ally selectionmodule, select a specialty effect for the selected ally from a pluralityof different candidate specialty effects, selection of the specialtyeffect being based on one of: a game profile of the selected ally, andrandom selection by the ally selection module from a set of specialtyeffects available to or earned by the selected ally; and a game enginecomprising at least one computer processor configured to make thespecialty effect of the selected ally available to the player for only asingle deployment during any one competitive engagement by performingoperations comprising: generating a game user interface for a particularcompetitive engagement; receiving user input via the game user interfaceselecting deployment of the specialty effect of the selected ally;responsive to the user input, deploying the specialty effect of theselected ally in the competitive engagement; and thereafter, for theduration of the competitive engagement, making the specialty effect ofthe selected ally unavailable for deployment via the game userinterface.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the competitive engagementcomprises a combat event in which the player combats one or moreopponents.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the specialty effect of theselected ally comprises a special power-up weapon that has an enhancedcombat capability relative to regular combat abilities.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein deployment of the specialty effect of the selected allycomprises applying the special power-up weapon against at least combatunit of the one or more opponents.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein,for each of the plurality of candidate allies, the respective specialtyeffect has attributes determined based at least in part on a game levelattained by the corresponding candidate ally in the game.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein, for each of the plurality of candidate allies, therespective specialty effect has attributes determined based at least inpart on a particular specialty skill of the corresponding candidateally, the particular specialty skill being one of a plurality ofalternative specialty skills, each ally being allowed only one of theplurality of specialty skills.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of candidate allies is a plurality of respective players ofthe game, each candidate ally being a member of a social network of theplayer.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the game engine is configuredto pit the player against a computer-controlled opposition during thecompetitive engagement.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising anally reward module configured to generate a reward to the ally inresponse to selection of the ally by the player.
 10. The system of claim9, wherein the ally reward module is configured to generate the rewardbased at least in part on an outcome of the competitive engagement. 11.A method comprising: accessing a social network graph of which a playerof a computer-implemented multiplayer online game forms part, the socialnetwork graph comprising a plurality of other players that are candidateallies for the player; generating a graphical user interface configuredfor enabling the player to select, from a plurality of candidate allies,an ally to assist the player in a competitive engagement duringgameplay; in an automated operation performed by an ally selectionmodule comprising one or more computer processors configured to performthe automated operation, selecting a specialty effect for the selectedally from a plurality of different candidate specialty effects,selection of the specialty effect being based on at least one of: a gameprofile of the selected ally, and random selection by the ally selectionmodule from a set of specialty effects available to or earned by theselected ally; and making the specialty effect of the selected allyavailable to the player for only a single deployment during any onecompetitive engagement by performing operations comprising: generating agame user interface for a particular competitive engagement; receivinguser input via the game user interface selecting deployment of thespecialty effect of the selected ally; responsive to the user input,deploying the specialty effect of the selected ally in the competitiveengagement; and thereafter, for the duration of the competitiveengagement, making the specialty effect of the selected ally unavailablefor deployment via the game user interface.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the competitive engagement comprises a combat event in which theplayer combats one or more opponents.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the specialty effect of the selected ally comprises a specialpower-up weapon that has an enhanced combat capability relative toregular combat abilities.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein deploymentof the specialty effect of the selected ally comprises applying thespecial power-up weapon against at least combat unit of the one or moreopponents.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising, for each ofthe plurality of candidate allies, determining attributes of therespective specialty effect based at least in part on a game levelattained by the corresponding candidate ally in the game.
 16. The methodof claim 11, further comprising, for each of the plurality of candidateallies, determining attributes of the respective specialty effect basedat least in part on a particular specialty skill of the correspondingcandidate ally, the particular specialty skill being one of a pluralityof alternative specialty skills, each ally being allowed only one of theplurality of specialty skills.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein theplurality of candidate allies is a plurality of respective players ofthe game, each candidate ally being a member of a social network of theplayer.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing areward to the ally in response to selection of the ally by the player.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the ally reward module is configuredto generate the reward based at least in part on an outcome of thecompetitive engagement.
 20. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium having stored thereon instructions for causing a machine,responsive to execution of the instructions by the machine, to performoperations comprising: accessing a social network graph of which aplayer of a computer-implemented multiplayer online game forms part, thesocial network graph comprising a plurality of other players that arecandidate allies for the player; generating a graphical user interfaceconfigured for enabling the player to select, from a plurality ofcandidate allies, an ally to assist the player in a competitiveengagement during gameplay, in an automated operation, selecting aspecialty effect for the selected ally from a plurality of differentcandidate specialty effects, selection of the specialty effect beingbased on at least one of: a game profile of the selected ally, andrandom selection by the machine from a set of specialty effectsavailable to or earned by the selected ally; and making the specialtyeffect of the selected ally available to the player for only a singledeployment during any one competitive engagement by performingoperations comprising: generating a game user interface for a particularcompetitive engagement: receiving user input via the game user interfaceselecting deployment of the specialty effect of the selected ally;responsive to the user input, deploying the specialty effect of theselected ally in the competitive engagement; and thereafter, for theduration of the competitive engagement, making the specialty effect ofthe selected ally unavailable for deployment via the game userinterface.